Approval has been granted for Shoalhaven City Council to open Lake Conjola, South Coast MP Shelley Hancock says. Mrs Hancock said Shoalhaven City Council made an application to the NSW Government to open Lake Conjola six weeks ago, with the government approving the license this week. READ MORE: Council says state govt won't give permission for lake opening "After considering the application, and extensive lobbying, I am pleased the NSW Government has approved the request," Ms Hancock said. "Additionally, I have secured $140,000 in grant funding to Shoalhaven City Council to help the future management of Lake Conjola." READ MORE: South Coast MP says govt working to open lake She said the grant funding was for the council to prepare a coastal management program for the lake, and that the NSW Government would provide technical advice. The grant is part of the state government's Coastal and Estuary Grants Program, which has $9.5 million for the development of coastal management programs. READ MORE: Mayor hits back 'I have not lied' "The Coastal Management Program is the first step in Council obtaining scientific information which can be used to develop effective management actions for the Lake," she said. "The Coastal Management Program will help Council develop sustainable strategies to manage entrance of the Lake and to reduce the exposure of the community to coastal hazards in a changing climate."

She said the grant funding was for the council to prepare a coastal management program for the lake, and that the NSW Government would provide technical advice. The grant is part of the state government's Coastal and Estuary Grants Program, which has $9.5 million for the development of coastal management programs.